Perfect Primers?

Perfect make up requires a perfect base. If you have a good base then the rest of your make up will sit so much better, giving you that flawless look that we all crave. I have been few a fair few primers in my quest for flawless makeup so here are my thoughts on some of the ones I have used.

The Revlon Photoready Primer is a product that I was really excited about when it was released but to be honest I found that for me it did, well nothing. It didn't help my foundation or brighten my skin. However I did give the rest of this to my house mate and she seems to be getting on with it fine.

MeMeMe Seventh Heaven Moisturising Facebase I think is massively overlooked. I love this product it has a creamy formula and a slight citrus scent, I also think the packaging is really cure.  The trick with this is that once it’s applied to wait about 5 minutes so that it completely sinks into your skin, you then apply your foundation and voila it sits lovely. It also really helps to keep my foundation in place for the majority of my working day, definitely the best primer I've found on the high street so far.

The Porfessional by Benefit has so many rave reviews  but here comes negative nelly, i'm afraid this product just didn't blow me away. I found that it just made my skin feel really greasy and my make up just slipped off. My skin is combo/oily so maybe I just don’t have the right skin type for it, I think as there was such hype around it that’s why I was so disappointed as I really wanted to love it.

Clarins Instant Smooth has recently taken the beauty blogging world by storm and it really is worth the hype. The product glides over your skin covering redness and filling in pores creating a smooth surface ready for your foundation application and helps it stay in place all day. I can’t get enough of this product at the moment and is a staple in my everyday routine.

What primers do you use? Please let me know if I’m missing out on a great product. Did any of these work for you?

Twitter | Bloglovin

Aussie Shine Miracle

Aussie Shine Miracle Shampoo and Conditioner

I love having long hair; the only trouble is maintaining it and keeping it healthy. Aussie have been one of my favourite hair care brands since I discovered them and I'm please to say their latest offerings haven’t let me down.

My hair is natural, (as in I've never dyed it nor done anything nasty to it which might sound pretty boring buy hey it works for me,) so my hair has quite a bit of shine to it already but in the winter I think everything always appears a bit dull so I'm always on the lookout for products to make my skin and hair as healthy looking as possible.

“Contains extracts of Australian Ginseng and Pearl powder, adds gloss to each hair strand”

If you’re a regular user of Aussie you will know that their products always smell good enough to eat, the Miracle Shine Shampoo and Conditioner have a gorgeous fruity smell to them, and it’s always a good sign when you can smell your hair throughout the day.

I apply the Miracle Shine shampoo all over my hair for a good clean then I only tend to apply conditioner to the ends and my roots are prone to getting a bit oily. This left my hair feeling ridiculously soft, even as I was rinsing the conditioner out you can feel how soft your hair is.

I've been using this combo for a month now and I'm not quite sure how to judge as I didn't take before and after photos but it has left my hair with a beautiful shine, especially after it has just been washed.

There is also a 3 Minute Miracle available in this range but I decided to stick with my ‘Take the Heat’ version just to give me that bit extra protection, however I'm sure the ‘Shine’ Version is just as luxurious.

I think these are a great addition to the Aussie line and I look forward to using the rest and smelling how great my hair is!

Have you tried any Aussie products?

Twitter | Bloglovin

50 Random Facts Tag

1. I drink way to much tea. Green tea, English Breakfast tea, Earl Grey, I drink it all.
2. I know pretty much know all of the words to the film Mean Girls, "You go Glen Coco!"
3. I prefer dark chocolate to milk
4. I used to be a bit of a fatty and lost nearly 3 stone :) I still always struggle with those last few pounds though.
5. I can't stand baked beans, I think its the texture but just eugh.
6. I worry too much and always want things to be perfect
7. I've never dyed my hair. I know that might sound a bit boring but I don't think I'd suit any other colour. I am tempted to ombre though.
8. I have my ears pierced twice, no tattoos.
9. I gave up alcohol for January and I did not miss the hangovers!
10. I work in an office, I'm currently looking for something better
11. My blog is a secret I'm not sure why, I think its just a nice escape for me
12. I wish I was a bit smaller so I could wear high shoes I'm 5ft 8 so I look like a giant and it makes me self conscious.
13. I'm a leo. rawr.
14. I live with my best friend, we have a cute little house
15. I hate it when people have pineapple with gammon, I have a thing about people eating hot food with meat. Same with ham and pineapple pizza, its just wrong.
16. I really want a dog, preferably a black lab or a puggle but I'm not fussy.
17. I love tv shows with lots of twists and always has me on the edge of my seat, Homeland is my  fave programme at the minute I hope it comes back soon!
18. I'm allergic to wasps. One stung me right under the eye before and I ended up looking like quasimodo. Not sexy.
19. I hated school
20. I buy too many dresses and don't wear them enough
21. A drunk guy once told me I look like Kate Middleton, I'll take that! She has great hair
22. I'm going on holiday to Turkey this year, I need some sunshine!
23. I've never had a pet
24. I've only just started to wear bright lipstick I'm a wimp and think it makes me look like a drag queen.
25. Skincare is my weakness and I feel no guilt when I splurge on it.
26. I've never broken any bones in my body! Touch wood. I'm indestructible.
27. I don't think I could live without cheese. I have a bit of addiction 
28. I love everything burgundy at the minute
29. I'm really shy when I first meet people, I like to work people out. I also LOVE to people watch.
30. I love a good cuddle, It's amazing how much better one can make you feel.
31. I've been with my boyfriend Dean for about 8 months
32. I have a weird addiction to jalapenos, I can eat them out of the jar
33. I have one younger sister called Rachel
34. I've never really known what career I want, hence being stuck in an office
35. It takes a lot for me to trust people and let people get close to me
36. I have a small group of close friends which I love
37. I have a few girl crushes at the minute, Miranda Kerr, Millie Mackintosh and Mila Kunis are all beauts
38. I used to go to dance classes when I was younger but have since lost all my rhythm 
39. When me and my friends do Karaoke we always so Spandau Ballets 'Gold' such an 80s classic.
40. My Dad supports Barnsley Football club and I had a season ticket for 4 years
41. Poached eggs and smoked Salmon is my favourite Breakfast
42. I can't stand carrots, swede or turnip, give me green vegetables please
43. I wish I was more fashionable, I'm always to afraid of what people will think
44. I have worn glasses since I was about 12 and hate them, I wear contact lenses every day
45. I drive a ford KA, its getting a bit old now but gets me from a to b no problem
46. I love swimming it was the one sport at school I was actually good at
47. I'm forever trying to create volume in my hair it always falls so flat!
48. I asked for a pony for Christmas about 10 years in a row, I even drew my parents a plan of where it would live in our garden and how it would survive haha
49. I really, really want to go to Australia 
50. My thumb bends back into a 90 degree angle. I thought this was normal...apparently not!

Twitter | Bloglovin

Nails: Essie, Ballet Slippers

Ballet Slippers

You know the feeling well a much hyped product just leaves you feeling a bit underwhelmed? Unfortunately that is a feeling I got when applying the infamous Ballet Slippers by Essie.

I'm usually a big fan of Essie polishes and I think that’s the reason why I was so disappointed. I found the consistency very watery and it would gather around the edge of my nails, it also took a very long time to dry and the second coat didn't go on too smoothly. I actually ended up removing it and starting again I was that unimpressed with it.

Having said that, once I finally had a look I was happy with I really liked the colour. I opted for this as I had a job interview and didn't want anything to ‘out there’ or off putting and Ballet Slippers is perfect for giving you that manicured look.

What are your thoughts on Ballet Slippers? I’m looking to pick up Fiji next but do you know if this has the same thin consistency, or is it just the more sheer colours that do?

Twitter | Bloglovin

Rimmel Apocalips | Celestial

Celestial- £5.99

To be honest when I first heard about the Rimmel Apocalips I wasn't overly excited but as usual after reading many reviews I found myself perusing the isles of Boots hunting them down.

I decided to go for Celestial, a pretty pearly pink that’s perfect for every day. The formula applies so easily, it lasts on my lips a good few hours and doesn't leave my lips feeling dry. I did find that it made its way onto my teeth quite easily but I'm not sure if that’s me being an idiot applying it in too much of a rush?

I’d quite like to try out Big Band next which is a really vibrant red but I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to pull that off yet.

Have you dabbled in the Apocalips yet? What’s your favourite shade?

Once again I can't believe it's already Monday morning where does the weekend go!? I had a job interview this morning to work in corporate event sales and got it! I'm just so worried about working on commission though as I've never done it before and obviously I have bills and rent to pay so I'm really scared! Does anyone else work on commission? Do you find it's worth it? would love your thoughts.

what did you get up to this weekend?

Twitter | Bloglovin

What's In My Bag Tag

What's In My Handbag

Today's post is giving you a sneak peak inside my handbag. I love these types of posts as i'm quite nosy and I always see little bits that I wish I had in mine. I have cheated a little bit and taken all my receipts out, I tend to just stick them in there after I've got petrol and sometimes I do forget to take them out and I really don’t think that makes for a good blog post.

The bag I use nearly every day is my Fiorelli Shopper. I love this bag and it upsets me to say that it is starting to look a bit worn but until I find the next ‘The One’, I will continue to use it.

Most importantly I carry around my Iphone and this may sound geeky but I can’t remember life without it. I Love having the camera at the ready and being able to catch up with blogs on the go. I got the cute little diary from Poundland so I can quickly jot down any plans and appointments. My boyfriend is also quite forgetful and I have to remind him of things all the time so I keep his events in here too. My Purse…doesn’t really need explaining.

The most Boring thing is my contact lenses case, I always keep one with me in case I have to take my lenses out for any reason of if they start to dry up. Oh the glamour.

The beauty bits I carry round are just in case I need to re-apply or I'm going out after work and I want to hide that ‘I've been up since 6am’ look. This pretty much includes concealer, a lip product and sometimes a cheeky spritz of Caudalie Beauty Elixr. I also like to keep some Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder and some Vaseline with me at all times.

A hairbrush is always essential for my mop so this compact brush is perfect, I know it has a mirror inside but I also like to carry this No7 which I got for Christmas just because it’s pretty.

So that’s the secrets of my bag. Let me know if you have done this tag too.

Twitter | Bloglovin

Roses are Red and So Is My Lipstick

Happy Valentines Day

If there’s ever a more perfect occasion to rock a red lip than Valentine’s Day is it. I know a lot of people feel Valentine’s Day is a bit of a cop out and you shouldn't have to celebrate your relationship on a specific day, but I think it’s sweet, if you get given a card or flowers etc. its guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Everyone associates red with love and Valentine’s Day, its bold, sexy, and head turning, you can’t walk into a card shop without seeing a sea of read hearts.  

These are my products of choice to complete that Valentine’s Day look.

Lips

I've opted for Rosetto 022 by Kate’s Lasting finish Collection. I love this colour; it’s bright but also quite deep with blue undertones which make it suitable for all skin tones. As the name suggests it is very long lasting so perfect if you’re going out a date.

Nails

Salsa by No7 is a beautiful red with silver shimmer running through it which makes it that extra bit special. I think red nails are so sophisticated. The colour is opaque in two coats and I usually find it lasts about 2 days without chipping (without a base or top coat.)

How cute is this card! I absolutely love it and it really makes me giggle because it describes me and my boyfriend perfectly.

As my boyfriends is at work on Valentine ’s Day I shall be spending the evening with my house mate cooking up a storm, or possibly a ordering a takeaway. I remember last year 3 of my friends and I went to the chip shop had a bottle of wine and watched films, who says romance is dead!

Twitter | Bloglovin

Enrapture Totem Styler

Enrapture Totem Styler

"When everyday hair just inst enough"

I have wanted to get hold of this styler for SO long! I’ve not read one bad review about this product and all the pictures I have seen have left girls with gorgeous, Victoria’s Secret style flowing locks. Thanks to Enrapture tweeting a discount code it was the perfect opportunity to finally make a purchase.

I love to curl my hair and I have a vast collection of rollers and conical wands and ive even managed to master the skill of curling with my GHD’s but the Enrapture Totem Styler beats them all hands down.

The Totem Styler features three independent heat zones that can be set to different temperatures using the dials, this means you can opt for loose waves or tight curls at the twist of a dial. I also love how long the barrel is and I have no problem wrapping all of my long hair around it.

I’m a loose curl kind of girl as I think tight ringlets make me look like a poodle, so to create the above look I used combination 1-1-2.

The wand heats up super fast and I’d say it takes about 10 minutes to do my whole head which is just enough time for me to do it in the morning before work.  The curls last so well in my hair, I curled my hair on Monday and when I woke up Tuesday the curls were still intact, a dash of hair spray and I was good to go again. I even had a compliment from my colleague who said it looked like it was freshly done that morning!

I really don’t have a bad word to say about this product, I think beautiful curls are guaranteed every time.

You can pick the Totem Styler up for £75 which may seen pricey but if your willing to spend £100 on GHD's then why not these? I promise you they are worth it. If you move fast they are currently on offer at boots for £59.99 or if you keep an eye on Twitter, enrapture always have different offer discount and will let you know where the best offer is.

Have you tried the Enrapture Totem Styler? What combination works best in your hair?

Twitter | Bloglovin

Liz Earle Lash Definition Mascara

Liz Earle Lash Definition Smudgeproof  Mascara 

I’m no stranger to Liz Earle skincare but I haven’t yet had the chance to dabble in their make up line, so where better to start than with one of my favourite make up products, mascara. I love long fluttery lashes and there are some great mascara’s you can buy on the high street that will do this but I wanted to see if a higher end brand can do a better job.

“Our unique mascara is water-resistant, flake-free andlong-lasting, and glides on smoothly to perfectly define each lash. The specially designed brush allows you to make the most of even the shortest lashes, helping to create length and definition. Enriched with natural source vitamin E.”

The Liz Earle Lash Definition Mascara is packaged in a boxwhich immediately separates in from high street mascaras. The tube itself is asleek shimmery navy colour but my favourite part of this mascara is the brush. The brush is medium sized but the bristles are small and fine which helps grab and define each lash. I have to agree it is very water resistant which is great if you get watery eyes or have unexpected tears, it definitely won’t budge.

I love the finish this gives and I’d say it’s definitely agreat day time mascara, my lashes are long and defined but there’s not too muchvolume which is what I like, I think it’s best to keep make up subtle at work.

I remove this at night with my eye make up remover followedby my Emma Hardie cleansing balm.

The Lash Definition Mascara retails at£14.50 which I really don’t think is bad considering you can end up paying about £12/£13 for a L’oreal or Max Factor mascara. If you’re looking for an introduction to higher end mascaras I think this is a great place to start.

Have you tried this? Do you recommend any more Liz Earlemake up? The cream blushes are next on my wishlist.

Twitter | Bloglovin